Editor’s Note: The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 29 San Elizario. Practice begins Aug. 3 for teams, that did not have spring practice and on Aug. 10 for teams that did have spring practice. The opening weekend for games is Aug. 27-28.
Outlook for 2026 season
San Elizario has a new coach in Angel Gonzalez, who replaced Robert Herrera. Gonzalez is a familiar face as he was a longtime assistant coach and former head softball coach at the school.
The Eagles do return 11 starters and the strengths of the team include a solid running game, an experienced offensive line and a strong linebacking core.
San Elizario is in a tough Class 4A, Division 1 district along with Austin, Ysleta, Riverside and Andress. All of those four teams made the playoffs in 2025 and Andress moves down from Class 5A.
A look back at 2025
The Eagles went 2-8 with wins vs. Anthony and Cathedral and with competitive losses to Fabens, Bowie and Mountain View.
How the offense shapes up
The Eagles will be led by quarterback Vince Delgado, fullback Hector Holguin, running backs Marquise Taylor and Jasiel Ochoa and offensive linemen Gilbert Chavez, Nick Reyes and Emiliano Ortiz.
How the defense shapes up
The Eagles should be solid at linebacker with Diego Gonzalez and Jonathan Juarez and defensive lineman Damian Elizalde.
What first year San Elizario head coach Angel Gonzalez says
“We’re excited to get started,” Gonzalez said. “We had a really good summer and the kids are ready for the challenge. We want to battle for a playoff berth. We have a district full of good teams.”
What the San Elizario players Jonathan Juarez and Nick Reyes said
“Expect a lot of drive, aggression and working to get better,” Juarez said. “The expectation is to win more games and be more together as a team.”
Added Reyes: “I feel confident in our coach; he shows lots of pride and commitment. The strength of team is our offense. Things have changed and I believe we will be more improved on that side of the ball.”
San Elizario’s 2026 schedule
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: New leadership, familiar faces fuel No. 29 San Elizario’s confidence
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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By Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
